will the cost of living be very expensive? (San Jose: health insurance, how much)

[2bum0ble]

Seeking for better education for my 2 girls, I am planning to move back to San Jose. However my husband will keep his existing job in Japan. As we don't have any company benefits like medical insurance, housing allowance... in the state, will the cost of living be very expensive then? More, how much will it cost for me and my girls medical insurance? Where can i find those information?
Anyone has the same case as us? Thanks for any inputs.

[gone down south]

Here's a general thread on cost of living in the Bay area -
Cost Of Living - other than housing

[2bum0ble]

any sharing about medical insurance? thanks again!

[socketz]

You would relocate to another country and leave your husband in Japan ? I work with several people that were born and raised in Japan and they are very well educated. I guess I am missing something.

If good schools are all you are looking for, move to the North Dallas suburbs. The cost of living is a fraction of the Bay, it's safe and the schools are excellent (Unlike CA, Texas actually has a well managed state government that values teachers and education).

[gone down south]

I'm not sure how much play this issue got in Asia, but the US just went through a crippling debate on rebuilding our health care system from the ground up. Most Americans get their health insurance through their employers, not private or public systems. By pooling their employees, companies can get discounts and better terms than you could alone.

There are public systems (Medicare and Medicaid) but they're targeted more at the very poor and the elderly; it's unlikely you would qualify. You can buy private insurance, but the costs can be quite high, especially if you have young children. You can sometimes join insurance pools through a church or a community group, but these are very recent developments in the market and quality and availability can vary widely.

The one thing you DON'T want to do is go without insurance. People go bankrupt and lose their houses when they get sick or hurt. Not only do you face large bills for every minor procedure, but you're going to pay retail prices - you won't get the benefit of the significant volume discounts major insurance companies have negotiated with hospitals and doctors.

[SportyandMisty]

I have been told you could spend $12,000 to 15,000 per year for medical insurance for yourself & two dependents.